First Day of Lessons

Long overdue this post is....

From School Year 2009-10

Here they all are on our first day of lessons, more than a week ago now. Our first day is generally a Bible lesson, a treasure hunt (complete with clues) with school supplies as the prize, and ice cream sundaes for lunch. This year was no exception!

From School Year 2009-10

From School Year 2009-10

From School Year 2009-10

From School Year 2009-10

More photos HERE:

Finding the Babies videos

Here are a couple videos of the "finding the babies" science experiment we did last week.

It's not "school."

You may notice that I avoid the words "home school" or "homeschooling" here on the Cornerstone Home Learning blog.

I don't "do" school at home.

The word conjures up images of textbooks, blackboards, rows of desks, tests, and more representations of traditional school-based education.

My children do not learn that way.

Tests are not a regular part of our learning process. We limit the textbooks and prefer to learn from real books (which are here in abundance). There are no desks - learning happens everywhere. Math is just as likely to be done sitting in the recliner or laying on the floor as at the table. I don't stand and teach at a blackboard (or a whiteboard), although the kids do use chalkboards and dry erase boards often.

For many people, the word "school" holds negative connotations. For just about everyone, hearing the word "school" brings up a set of expectations.

So, to remind myself, my family, and others of the intentional differences in our home learning and traditional school, I don't often use the word "school" but I do find many other ways to describe what we do.

Lessons.
Learning.
Home learning.
Education.
Taught at home.

It's freeing. Maybe you'll give it a try too!

First Day of Lessons

Although the first day of lessons was FOUR weeks ago, I am finally getting around to posting. Our first day traditions include new learning supplies, a scavenger hunt, and ice cream sundaes for lunch.